Brake Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection. Chevrolet PJJ 2000

For 1990-2009 cars

### Inspection Procedure

Important: The brake pads must have freedom of movement within the brake caliper bracket. If movement is restricted by debris or rust, the brake pads may remain against the brake rotor after the brake pedal is released. This condition may contribute to the following conditions:

• | Accelerated brake pad wear

• | Brake pulsation

• | Brake rotor damage

1. Remove and discard 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Install a C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
5. Tighten the C-clamp in order to push the brake caliper piston into the brake caliper bore as far as possible.
6. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

Important: The brake pad should move easily within the brake caliper bracket.

7. Inspect the outer brake pad for freedom of movement relative to the brake caliper bracket.

Important: The brake caliper should move easily within the brake caliper bracket.

8. Use your hands in order to push the brake caliper inboard as far as possible. If the brake caliper does not move easily, perform the following steps.

• | Inspect and replace any worn or damaged brake caliper mounting bolts (1).

• | Inspect and replace any worn or damaged brake caliper bushings (2).

Important: The brake pad should move easily within the brake caliper bracket.

9. Inspect the inner brake pad for freedom of movement relative to the brake caliper bracket.

• | If brake pad movement is restricted for either brake pad, go to the Cleaning Procedure.

• | If brake pad movement is not restricted for either brake pad, go to the Installation Procedure.

### Cleaning Procedure

1. Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper (2). Refer to Brake Pads Replacement.
2. Use a wire brush in order to clean away any rust and debris from the brake caliper and steering knuckle where the brake pads contact.
3. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the brake caliper and steering knuckle where the brake pads come in contact.
4. Perform the Inspection Procedure for the opposite side brake caliper.

### Installation Procedure

1. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Lower the vehicle.
3. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with new clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
4. Pump the brake pedal (3/4 of a full stroke) as many times as necessary in order to obtain a firm brake pedal.